4.21 Measuring Resistance a. Before measuring resistance in a circuit, make sure the power is off to the circuit being tested and all capacitors are discharged. Disconnect shunting ‘components from the circuit before measuring its resistance. b. Set the range switch to one of the resistance range positions as follows (Fig- ure 4-12) 1 Use R X 1 for resistance readings from 0 to 200 ohms. 2 Use R X 100 for resistance readings from 200 to 20,000 ohms. 3. Use R X 10,000 for resistance readings above 20,000 ohms. c. Set the function switch at either -DC or +DC position: Operation is the same in either position except if there are semicon- ductors in the circuit. (See paragraph 4.22.) Adjust ZERO OHMS control for each resistance range. d. Observe the reading on the OHMS scale at the top of the dial. NOTE: The OHMS scale reads from right to left for increasing values of resis- tance. e. To determine the actual resistance value, multiply the reading by the factor at the switch position. (K on the OHMS scale equals one thousand.) 4.22 Resistance Measurement of Semiconductors Make sure that the OHMS range being used will not damage any of the semiconductors (refer to Table 1-1, item 8, Section 1). If there is a “forward” and “backward” resistance such as in diodes, the resistance should be relatively low in one direction (for forward polarity) and higher in the ‘opposite direction. Rotate the function switch between the two DC positions to reverse polarity. This will determine if there is a difference between the resistance in the two directions. To check a semiconductor in or out of a circuit (forward and reverse bias resis- tance measurements) consider the following before making the measurement: a. The polarity of the battery voltage will be as marked at the jacks when the switch is in the +DC position and reversed in the -DC position. b. Ensure that the range selected will not damage the semiconductor. (Refer to Table 1-1, item 8, and review the specification limits of the semiconductor according to the manufacturer's ratings.) ¢. If the semiconductor is a silicon diode or conventional silicon transistor, no precautions are normally required. d. If the semiconductor material is germanium, check the ratings of the device and refer to Table 1-1, item 8 NOTE: The resistance of diodes will measure differently from one resistance range to another on the VOM with the function switch in a given position. For ‘example, a diode which measures 80 ohms on the R X 1 range may measure 300 ‘ohms on the R X 100 range. The difference in values is a result of the diode characteristics and is not indicative of any fault in the VOM. 26